It's a big match tomorrow. I've written it before but I don't think it's the most traditional derby match for me, but it is the biggest and it is their FA Cup Final. And we have to remember this when this game comes up. It's huge for them.
And it's king of important for us. If we're going to have any chances of getting into the top six then beating teams like Birmingham City is required. And that comes down to approaching this game the right way and starting the right way. It's not that we can't beat them if we start slowly or the wrong way, but we should be approaching all games like the Derby match last weekend.
And we shouldn't let what happened last weekend convince us that we're on the right track. I write that because as Aston Villa fans we have a tendency to do that. That was a one off and we have to treat it that way until that is what we do week in week out.
But it is important we beat them because if we don't, we all have someone that will email or call us. Some of us have to live with those people. Some have to work with lots. It's not nice getting beaten by them. Although in all fairness, I'm struggling to remember.
The Clowns are called The Clowns for a reason and we shouldn't forget that. And the players tomorrow have to not forget that. And I know it's easy to ask for this, but they have to approach the game just like last weekend because that type of performance will beat most sides in this League. And I know, new manager syndrome has worn off at Derby and Frank the Bank is getting found out, but the performance was still good and it would mean three points today too.
So, that written, I've got to get back to breakfast and the mountain and by that I mean, I'm skiing in the mountains today. Tomorrow, I'll be in a bar watching the match. And before I forget, another competition coming up soon from Luke .. just got to figure out what and this time, it's only for visitors to the blog. Up the Villa and see you tomorrow.
Match facts from the BBC
- Birmingham have won just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions against Villa.
- Villa are unbeaten in their previous six league visits to St Andrew's. Each of the past three have been draws.
- Blues manager Garry Monk has won more matches against Villa during his managerial career (six) than against any other club.
- Villa boss Dean Smith has won four of his past five Championship meetings with Birmingham (D1).
- Birmingham have kept just one clean sheet in their previous 10 Championship games - a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest on 2 February.
- Villa are looking to win back-to-back Championship games for the first time since November, when they won three in a row in a run that included the 4-2 win over Blues at Villa Park.